The greatest midfielder in Chelsea’s history books, Frank Lampard, has managed to successfully transfer the trust and love the fans had for him as a player to his challenging stint as the new manager of the Chelsea Football Club.
He has shown unshakable faith in his youngsters, which could not be said of the previous bosses at the Bridge and the trust imparted has resulted in pretty decent performances from the young learners.
Lampard has also injected a fearless mentality in the team with his counter-attacking tactics and has done well to get the whole team together after the demoralising departure of talisman Eden Hazard to Real Madrid last summer.
Chelsea Team News
The English gaffer has already made his intentions clear with his early involvement in the transfer market. He has already brought in Hakim Ziyech from Ajax and securing Timo Werner’s signature is just a matter of time as personal terms are believed to be agreed.
The gaffer is also in search of reinforcements for the backline and has identified Ben Chilwell as his prime target. But after an outlay of £87 million for Ziyech and Werner, Chelsea need to trim their squad to fund their future signings.
As a result, the future of Michy Batshuayi, Pedro, Ross Barkley, Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso hangs in the balance with Willian yet to sign an extension.
Predicted Chelsea lineup for next season (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Despite the lack of consistency in front of the goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga should remain the first choice keeper for Lampard as Willy Caballero is no longer a viable option as the first choice.
Antonio Rudiger should be a natural choice at the heart of the defence with Kurt Zouma looking the most dependable man to turn to form a partnership with the German. Andreas Christensen and Fikayo Tomori are good enough backups for the starters when need be.
It would be a tough call for Lampard to select one out of Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta for the right-back position but the Spaniard is likely to get the edge due to his leadership quality. There is no doubt that James will also get enough game time due to his ability depending on the opposition.
There is considerable doubt whether Marcos Alonso will remain a blue next season and Lampard clearly does not prefer Emerson at the back either, which is exactly why Chilwell has been on their shortlist. If a deal materialises, Chilwell will be performing duties on the left without a doubt.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante, when fit, should get the nod in the defensive midfield position and there are no two ways about it. But the competition would be between Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic to fill the other spot. However, Lampard has looked to play mostly on the front foot with some quick incisive football and might prefer Mateo Kovacic in his first team.
But we expect all three mentioned above to be involved heavily next season in the event none of them makes an exit in the transfer window.
As far as the flanks are concerned there are two clear favourites who would occupy those positions. Christian Pulisic will be an easy call for the left-wing while Hakim Ziyech is likely to feature on the right.
The player expected to heavily feature as the no.10 could be Mason Mount given his solid displays this season when given the freedom to express himself.
The likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Hudson-Odoi and Ross Barkley are also options for the midfield and the wings but will have to work their way into the reckoning for the first team.
Forward
Timo Werner should be the man leading the attack for Chelsea and put an end to their prolonged search of a dream striker since Diego Costa parted ways with the club. With 25 goals from 30 appearances in the Bundesliga this season, there could not have been a better fit at the Bridge as far as goals are concerned.
Tammy Abraham might feel hard done if he is dislodged at the start of the season and hence the performances over the next couple of months will be important to decipher how he compares to the expected summer arrivals.
